Winnebago County reports a whooping cough outbreak

Winnebago County health authorities are investigating an outbreak of whooping cough.

So far 33 cases have been reported this month. That compares with only one case on average earlier this year.

Half are in 11- and 12-year-olds. Children that age should get booster shots because immunity from early childhood pertussis vaccines can wane. Sue Fuller of the county health department says adults should be sure to have booster shots too.